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Murashige, Laura <br /> From: Alyson Barrows [abarrows@hawaii.edu) <br /> Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 9:23 AM <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us ~ ' q q r_ r <br /> Cc: danny@kaupreservation.org ~<U( JUL ~ <br /> Subject: Ka'u Preservation- testimony <br /> Ka'u Preservation , <br /> I have been following this fight to preserve Ka'u In the process have spoken to Pele <br /> Hanoa, Danny, and other local residents of Ka'u. I have read the testimonies in support <br /> and the news of what developers invision for Ka'u. <br /> It is not surprising that the council members are not coming to any decision to protect <br /> and preserve this sight. With all the development that is occuring around (justl the <br /> island of Hawaii, you hope that a portion could be spared. A portion for the sacred <br /> sites, for a unique marine environment, for open land space, for the last of the ahupua'a <br /> land division unit that still exist, and especially for the people, the people of Ka'u. <br /> The ahupua'a land division of Ka'u still exist. The people of Ka'u have the right to live <br /> their Hawaiian culture. They are exercising their rights by deciding how to manage the <br /> use of their lands. They have shown you what they want and are not waiting for you to <br /> give your support. Why? Because it is in their power as the indigenous people of Hawaii <br /> to have a place to live their culture without hesitation or fear of being critize of being <br /> an Hawaiian. <br /> It is in the law that they have the right to use the lands for sustainability. <br /> <br /> What does this word sustainability mean? To provide for oneself. Does this mean gathering <br /> food from the land, and or farming of items such as kalo? Does this mean caring for the <br /> forest and all living things within? Does this mean caring for the waters that feeds the <br /> forest, lower lands, and shorelines? Does this mean gathering food from the sea. Does <br /> this mean "open land space" should remain open? <br /> Yes, "open land space" is exremetly essential for the environment but exspecially for the <br /> people. It is a spiritual connection which the people need. It is the sacred sites of <br /> their ancestors. It is the training grounds for the young and old. It is place of <br /> learning. It is a place of rejuvenating oneself. <br /> The new resorts in Kona are building estates with "open land space." <br /> Why? Developers understand the "human man" needs and wants are wealth and "open space." <br /> Two reasons for open land space: wealth and spirituallity. The first reason is because <br /> they have the money to buy the "open land space." <br /> Why? Should only the wealthy have "open land space?" The second reason the need to <br /> connect with their spiritual side. Of course, this is the unspoken realism behind the <br /> open land space. It is man's nature to feel free from stress of work. Where do you go to <br /> escape the work scene? Right! We look for comfort and open space. <br /> To denied support to the people of Ka'u, you are literally ignoring the law that gives the <br /> right, to the host people to exercise and practice their culture. Correction! They are <br /> exercising and living their culture and must continue to do so in order to hold on to <br /> their lands; and the natural resources which makes up the unique enviornment found in <br /> Ka'u. You are dening their rights to LIVE! <br /> I am in support of Ka'u Preservation Resolution 169-07 <br /> comm. No,_3~q•?98 <br /> Ref. To: heeseNeA F~ <br /> Ref. Date~9 <br /> <br /> Malama pono a me a hui hou. <br /> <br /> A Napua Barrows <br /> 1 <br /> <br />